South Korea's ambassador to the US stated that Seoul is closely monitoring possibilities for renewed US-North Korea dialogue during President Donald Trump's upcoming China visit, considering global factors like ongoing wars and alliances.
In the latest update on prospects for US-North Korea engagement—following earlier speculation linking talks to Trump's planned spring 2026 China trip—South Korea's Ambassador to the US, Kang Kyung-wha, emphasized Seoul's vigilance on February 25, 2026.
Speaking at a press meeting at the Korea Cultural Center in Washington, Kang said South Korea is 'paying close attention to related developments while keeping all possibilities in mind' regarding potential dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang. This comes amid rumors that Trump might reengage North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his late-March to early-April Asia visit to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Kang highlighted comprehensive monitoring of factors including the Russia-Ukraine war, US-China relations, and North Korea-China ties. Her remarks overlap with South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Jeong Yeon-doo's, four-day visit to Washington for talks with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and others on Korean Peninsula issues. This timing aligns with North Korea's ninth Workers' Party congress, where Kim is expected to set diplomatic and defense policies.
Seoul maintains regular contact with the US National Security Council and State Department, with Washington affirming no policy shifts on North Korea and committing to close coordination to prevent surprises.
